Blog Zero: A Compass

The easiest part of creating this website was everything up to these letters you're reading now. Sure, it took time, but designing a website is much easier than creating the content that goes on it.

I have been waiting to create this blog for several years, and for no profound reason, the time suddenly seemed right. What started as an idea turned into an urge, and from an urge it became a passionate goal. I wanted to be sure I wouldn't start and then flake out, as is so easy to do with projects. No, I intend on focusing on this blog and giving it the attention I believe it deserves.

This starting entry is a compass to you, the reader. It's intended to give you a sense of how to navigate this blog, and provide a sense of the direction we are going. Although I have descriptions and words across this website that talk about it, it's admittedly hard to give you the full scope of what Existential Living is. It's too big to be neatly contained in overview text. In a sense, the rest of the website is an introduction to the introduction, and here is where it all begins.

Let's start off with some facts:

1. I identify as an existentialist, that is, I believe I make my own meaning and purpose in life.

2. I believe that to some general extent, everyone is a philosopher. Some take it farther than others, but at some point, everyone has some type of worldview or paradigm they identify with.

3. I actively engage in and work through what I'll simply say are "complex contemplations." By this, I mean I am routinely thinking or processing through events, situations, and scenarios in life that I use to derive meaning or understanding.

4. My goal in this blog is to share with you these thoughts and processes.

That's the main hook of this endeavor: we're all philosophers, we're all meaning makers, and I am here to share with you how I make meaning in the hope that it helps provide you some perspective.

At the same time, however, there's more to this than that. The questions arises of the content I am going to write that's a part of this journey, which is admittedly my personal biggest fear about this endeavor. How can I make content that resonates with you, the reader?

That's why this entry is about a compass orientation, because this process and this website is a journey in its own right. I have no shortage of things I want to write about, but it's important to do it "right." It's going to involve experimentation and dabbling in various topics, or approaching things differently than you might expect. The goal (north) is the process of meaning making, but occasionally to travel north, you must wander side to side, sometimes retracing south, because our paths are not linear. This is something for us to figure out, together.

With that in mind, here's some ideas for content you can expect from this blog:

1. I like to think on aphorisms, it is very likely I will write about the impact of aphorisms both in their own merit, or how to interpret some life events through a specific aphoristic lens.

2. I think human desire for transcendence is natural, if not innate. That transcendence, or sublimity as some call it, speaks to us through various ways like art, music, movies, tv, or what have you. I think reflecting on those experiences are worthwhile, so I expect I will write about it.

3. Although I have rules/guidelines in place that are intended to help prevent some personal oversharing, I am going to share real interpersonal or personal thoughts and experiences. This may involve sharing how I deal with grief, depression, anger, sadness, or... anything.

4. I still sometimes keep up with what I call "philosophy proper," or academic philosophy. I distinguish philosophy proper from philosophy because I know there are many that would not think of this blog or things I say as proper philosophy. That's okay though, because academic philosophy can be incredibly boring at times. Kierkegaard was by no means a philosopher (proper) in his time, but is still undoubtedly recognized as one today because of his contributions. With that said, I think there are merits to discussing contemporary philosophical problems (like ethics), so there are times I will write about it. You have my promise that I will do what is within my power to keep it simple and understandable, though.

5. I like to analyze arguments that people make. I don't always care about the content of the argument, as much as I care about the form of the argument- as in, is it an argument made in bad faith, or is it fallacious? You can expect that there will be times I post about dissecting arguments people make. Why would I include this, you might ask? Because everyone deals with arguments in life, and when you know how to get to analyze and deconstruct arguments, you can communicate more effectively. This is essential for helping determine core belief structures in life, as much of who we are is influenced by the arguments (beliefs) of those around us.

It is hard for me to tell you everything that is going to be covered, but the message here is that entries will cover a broad range of topics. However, I assure you I will not post something unless I truly believe it will be valuable in some dynamic.

Lastly, here are some criteria for content you can expect.

1. No hot takes. What is a hot take, you ask? It's Twitter. It's Facebook Memes. It's anyone or anything that gives a ridiculous argument that clearly misrepresents a complex issue for moral posturing.

2. Blog entries that are about 1,000 words. I'm naturally long winded, but the goal is to try and limit myself to about 1,000 words for easy reading. If a topic is too big, I'll break it up into multiple posts. (For reference, the last word/number of this sentence is word number 1015.)

3. Simplicity and ease of understanding is important. Sometimes word choices I make are very particular and out of the norm, but I am making a strong effort to keep the realm of philosophical thought accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

4. Honesty. There's no need to be anything less than transparent or forthcoming with some of this content. That means we'll hit hard and heavy topics, and do so with a straight face.

With all of that behind us, where do we go from here? Forwards and onwards. I'm ready to start writing, and I hope you'll join me.